Thursday, August 9

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 9th August 2007

Youth team head for Holland - WHUFC
09/08/2007 12:02

The West Ham United Youth Team set off for Holland this morning to play in
the ADO tournament. As the coach prepared to carry its cargo of talented
youngsters away from Chadwell Heath and off to The Hague, Academy boss Tony
Carr spoke about the trip. "It's fantastic preparation for the lads ahead of
the new season," he said. "The matches are sure to be very competitive and
will help to increase our sharpness and fitness. The boys will definitely
benefit from participating in this. "It's great experience and it's
something we have done several times before with our teams. We have plenty
of games to play in a short space of time, so it will be tough, but it will
also be rewarding. "We are all looking forward to the tournament and the
upcoming season is sure to be a good one. We finished runners-up in the
League last year and we are hoping to build on that and finish one better
this year!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United praised for Kickz project - WHUFC
09/08/2007 13:18

Robert Green represented West Ham United at the Premier League's launch of
their Creating Chances scheme in London on Tuesday, and was proud to hear
the Club recognised for their work with the local community around Upton
Park. Our involvement in the highly popular Kickz project was highlighted at
the launch as being an example of how football can be used in the Community
to encourage kids to spend their time constructively, learning skills from
qualified coaches and working as a team and making new friends. The project
was piloted in Newham in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police, who say
the crime rate in the area substantially decreases at the time the coaching
sessions are taking place. Dan Godfrey from West Ham United's Football in
the Community scheme was joined on stage at the launch by Tim Williams, a
young 15-year old who is an example of the positive impact Kickz can have.
Rob Green said of Creating Chances: "It was great to see all the Premiership
Clubs come together like that and get behind this great initiative. "To have
a player there to represent every team shows just how big this scheme is and
how many charities and good causes it intends to help."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Neill to miss start of new season - WHUFC
09/08/2007 13:46

Lucas Neill will miss the start of the new Barclays Premier League season
after scan results revealed that the Australian defender has sustained minor
knee ligament damage. Our new Club Captain suffered the injury in training
on Monday and, while early speculation suggested that he might be out for a
month or more, the official diagnosis has proved much more positive. Head of
Physiotherapy George Cooper says: "Lucas unfortunately twisted his knee when
blocking a shot in training, and at first we feared that he made have
suffered significant damage to his medial ligament. "However, the scan
results are far better than predicted and show that there is more damage to
the muscles around the knee than the actual medial ligament itself, which
has actually sustained only very, very minor damage. "He has already made
fantastic progress since sustaining the injury and will definitely be back
in action inside a month. He is now working hard alongside Scotty Parker,
who is also making excellent progress from his knee injury, and the two of
them are really pushing each other, so I'm certain we will see them back in
action very soon."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs looking ahead to new season - WHUFC
09/08/2007 15:02

Alan Curbishley today revealed that the Hammers are raring to go for the big
kick-off to the Barclays Premier League season against Manchester City on
Saturday. "We've all enjoyed pre-season," he said. "We've had a bit of a
change around with staff and in the dressing room. We've picked up a couple
of impact injuries, which has been disappointing, but we can't do anything
to prevent those, we just have to work on the payers' rehabilitation. "We're
coming into the first game of the season and it's a new start for everybody.
Unfortunately we'll be without Scott Parker and Lucas Neill against
Manchester City. They both tweaked their knee ligaments but we're hoping
they'll both be fit in time for our next match against Birmingham. "The big
disappointment is losing Julien Faubert to a lengthy injury, but we look
forward to welcoming him back following his recovery."
Curbs is hoping the team, buoyed by new arrivals and the return of some
familiar faces, can pick up where they left off on last season's winning
run. "If we may a start like that I'd be delighted," he said. "This is a new
season and it feels like we've gained three new players in Dean Ashton,
Matty Upson and Danny Gabbidon, who are all fit and looking forward to the
season ahead. "West Ham United are a big Club we made the back pages for the
wrong reasons too many times last season. The Club needs a solid season now,
after four topsy-turvy years. "The players that have been through all that
will have grown up immensely and this season will hopefully provide the base
for pushing on. We're looking for a top ten finish. We'd like to finish in
the first part of Ceefax, rather than the second!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Old Boys mark Tooting anniversary - BBC

Ryman League side Tooting & Mitcham celebrate their 75th anniversary with a
game between Chelsea Old Boys and West Ham's team of 1986 on 26 August.
The FA Cup will be paraded at the game at Imperial Fields, which will also
act as a fundraiser for ex-players who have fallen on hard times since
retiring.
Ray Wilkins, Graeme Le Saux and Kerry Dixon are among the former stars who
will be in the Chelsea line-up. The Hammers team will include Frank
McAvennie and Tony Cottee. Kick-off is at 1400 BST and tickets are available
from Chelsea, West Ham and Tooting & Mitcham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Magnusson wants third-party ban - BBC

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has called on football's world governing
body Fifa to banish third-party ownership from football. His comments come
after the long legal wrangle over who owned Carlos Tevez, which came to an
end before his planned £30m transfer to Manchester United. Magnusson told
Five Live: "I'm against third-party ownership and that has been strengthened
by what has happened. "I hope Fifa changes the rules and banish it from
football." The saga was set to go to the High Court but West Ham agreed an
out-of-court settlement of £2m with Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian that
resulted in the 23-year-old being formally released from his contract.
Magnusson added: "This whole Tevez stuff has opened up everybody's eyes.
It's not healthy for football. I hope they look seriously into this."
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has already promised a
tightening of rules to prevent a repeat of the affair. Rule changes are
expected to be ratified at a Premier League board meeting next week.
Meanwhile, Magnusson revealed he had wanted to retain the services of the
Argentine forward.
"Tevez was an important part of last year's team and I would have loved to
have kept him - I tried," he confirmed. "But, as with other great players,
his heart was set on playing in the Champions League."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Eggert relieved by Tevez exit - SSN
Chairman wishes striker well for future
By Mark Buckingham Last updated: 9th August 2007

Eggert Magnusson admits he is happy the Carlos Tevez saga is now behind West
Ham United. Tevez is waiting to officially complete his move to Manchester
United after The Hammers received a payment from his agent Kia Joorabchian.
West Ham chairman Magnusson wishes the Argentine well at his new club and is
thankful the matter has now been resolved. "It's over with regard to West
Ham finally," Magnusson told Sky Sports News. "I'm very relieved. "At the
same time I would like to say what a very good player Carlos Tevez is and a
fine young man. I wish him all the best for the future. "I am just happy the
whole saga is behind us at the moment."
The striker's arrival at Upton Park last August eventually cost West Ham a
£5.5million fine, but Magnusson never feared the club would be deducted
points as a punishment. He added: "To tell you the truth, we never thought
for one moment we would have points deducted. "What people tend to forget is
that the players (Tevez and Javier Mascherano) were always correctly
registered with West Ham from the beginning. "With regards to the fine, it
was a very, very heavy fine. I think if you look internationally something
like this has never happened before."
Magnusson also revealed that his predecessor Terence Brown, who was involved
in the Tevez deal, is not currently welcome back at Upton Park. Of Brown,
Magnusson said: "He's not very welcome at the moment at least."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green tips Ashton to shine - SSN
Team-mate welcomes striker's return
By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 9th August 2007

West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has backed Dean Ashton to fire them to
success this season. Ashton is on course to start the season after finally
making a successful return from a lengthy lay-off. The former Crewe and
Norwich hit-man has not played a competitive game for West Ham since the
2006 FA Cup final with Liverpool because of injury. Ashton missed all of
last season after breaking his ankle while training with England 12 months
ago. The talented forward has impressed in pre-season and is raring to go
ahead of the new campaign this weekend. Speaking at the Premier League's
'Creating Chances' launch,Green feels Ashton will give West Ham an extra
edge this term after he was sorely missed last season. "Dean has been flying
in pre-season," Green told skysports.com. "He was missed last season and it
is a massive boost to have him back. "He has been looking sharp in training
and in pre-season and if he can keep up his form he will be a big player for
us. "We are hoping Dean can score us the goals to help us enjoy a successful
season." Green insists everyone in the squad is determined they do not
endure a nerve-wracking season like they did last term this time around. The
former Norwich custodian believes Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has spent
wisely in the transfer market to make the team more of a force this season.
I think the manager has spent wisely and expectations are high," added
Green. "Expectations were high last season and we have to make sure we don't
find ourselves in the same situation as last season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Injury boost for Neill - SSN
Knee injury not as serious as feared
By Mark Buckingham Last updated: 9th August 2007

Lucas Neill will miss West Ham United's opening game of the season against
Manchester City. The defender injured his knee in training on Monday,
sparking fears he could be sidelined for at least a month. Scans on the
problem have painted a more positive outlook for Neill, who has been
appointed the club's new captain. Though the Australia international will
sit out Saturday's clash with City, The Hammers do not expect him to be out
for long. "Lucas unfortunately twisted his knee when blocking a shot in
training, and at first we feared that he may have suffered significant
damage to his medial ligament," head of physiotherapy George Cooper told the
club's official website. "However, the scan results are far better than
predicted and show that there is more damage to the muscles around the knee
than the actual medial ligament itself, which has actually sustained only
very, very minor damage. "He has already made fantastic progress since
sustaining the injury and will definitely be back in action inside a month.
"He is now working hard alongside Scotty Parker, who is also making
excellent progress from his knee injury, and the two of them are really
pushing each other, so I'm certain we will see them back in action very
soon."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I'm still upset over Tevez, says Eggert - Daily Mail
Last updated at 15:03pm on 9th August 2007

Eggert Magnusson said today that he felt 'hard-done-by' following the
£5.5million fine imposed by the Premier League on the club following the
Carlos Tevez affair and revealed he never at any time thought there would be
a points deduction. The West Ham chairman and part-owner also confirmed he
was considering legal action against Terry Brown following the Carlos Tevez
affair and said the former chairman was "not welcome back at Upton Park".
Magnusson also said that he was anticipating a top 10 finish in the Premier
League next season and said that further investment meant the club would be
challenging the top five in the space of the next "four to five years." The
Icelandic businessman also said there was a plan to move into a new stadium
near West Ham station by 2011 and that he was "surprised" that the club's
plans to move to the Olympic Stadium after the Games in 2012 was rejected.
The Tevez affair is now happily over as far as West Ham are concerned, said
Magnusson. "It has taken up a lot of my time and when it ended last week I
felt like a deflated balloon. "Carlos is a great player and a great human
being but it was not only him that kept us up. The whole Tevez affair has
detracted from what Alan Curbishley achieved. "It began with the inquiry
followed by the judgement. Maybe some things were said during that which
enhanced the whole affair.
"One of the things which bothers me is the way the club's reputation has
been damaged because of a few individuals back in August. "Some of my
colleagues have also been trying to damage our image since."
Magnusson said the club were considering legal action against Brown. "We
haven't had time to look into that yet but now it is over, we will," he
said. "Terry Brown is not welcome at Upton Park at the moment although I
have nothing personally against either him or Kia Joorabchian." The West Ham
chairman did, however, exonerate Scott Duxbury, the club's current deputy
chief executive officer, from blame. Duxbury was the club's legal expert at
the time but Magnusson said: "Scott Duxbury was not on the board at the club
then."
Magnusson reiterated his stance that he remains firmly opposed to third
party ownership. Magnusson's Icelandic consortium took over the club in late
November and he said: "We saw the contracts very late in the due diligence
process. They were not in the data room and we had to ask to see them. "What
we didn't know until January was that the Premier League had not seen all
the paperwork. "When I came into West Ham there were two Argentinians [Tevez
and Javier Mascherano] there who were not fit and who we were paying a lot
of money. "What I wanted to do in December then was make an amendment so
they would definitely leave in the summer. I tried to find out if they could
even leave in January. "It was never signed by the other party, though, and
if it had been, we would not perhaps have incurred the heavy fine. "I felt
very hard done by, though, because the truth was that we never ever felt we
would be deducted points. "The registration of the two players was in place
and always correct from the beginning."
Magnusson also revealed that Fulham had asked West Ham not to play Luis Boa
Morte against them following the player's £5.5m move. "Fulham did ask us not
to play Luis Boa Morte against them but of course we played him. How can you
buy a player for that much money and not play him? It's crazy. Magnusson
also revealed that the proposed move for Newcastle's Kieron Dyer was "dead
at the moment". "I have been in business all my life but I have never
experienced anything like that before," he added. "The fee had been agreed
and then there was a telephone call on Friday morning saying it had gone up
£2m. "At the moment the deal is dead but I feel very badly for the player.
He wanted to come because his family is in Ipswich and he had told them the
transfer was on. "It's not the way to do things."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Olympic chiefs are wrong to snub us, says West Ham chairman - Daily Mail
Last updated at 14:32pm on 9th August 2007

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson said he could not understand why the
club's plans to move into the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games were
rejected. Magnusson also revealed the club aim to move into a new ground at
another site by 2011. "We have plans to move to a new 60,000-seat stadium
near West Ham station by 2011," he said. "We had healthy discussions about
the Olympic Stadium but we couldn't accommodate all their views." Magnusson
offered £1million towards the scheme but it foundered as West Ham could not
agree to the athletics track being used every day. He said: "We offered some
money but perhaps they were too far down the line with the planning of the
stadium. "We had a meeting with Tessa Jowell but we took from that it was
not possible. For me it makes no sense how you build an 80,000-seat stadium
and then take it down to 20,000."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole on target for Irons reserves - TeamTalk

Goals from Zavon Hines, Carlton Cole and Hogan Ephraim earned a West Ham
United reserve team a 3-1 friendly against Thurrock FC on Wednesday. Young
forward Hines struck an opener in the 12th minute, while Cole restored his
team's advantage nine minutes later after Thurrock had hit a quick-fire
equaliser through Che Stadhardt. Ephraim rounded off an impressive display
with the third goal - a superb free-kick in the 81st minute. Kevin Keen's
reserve team kick-off their FA Premier Reserve League South campaign against
Aston Villa on August 29.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS SET TO SWOOP FOR SOLANO - Sporting Life

West Ham are set to raid Newcastle for Nolberto Solano after missing out on
Kieron Dyer. The Hammers were all set to land Dyer after agreeing a
£6million fee with the Toon, but that deal was scuppered when the Magpies
upped their valuation. And now the Newcastle Evening Chronicle claims Alan
Curbishley is again set to swoop on Tyneside, but at a much lower price. In
fact the local paper says Curbs hopes to land Peruvian international winger
Solano on a free transfer. The 32-year-old would apparently want a two-year
deal to move to London, with the Hammers keen on just a 12-month contract.
Meanwhile Dyer is in the Newcastle squad to visit Bolton for Saturday's
Premier League opener and Toon boss Sam Allardyce says he must make the best
of the situation. He said: "Kieron Dyer is a Newcastle United player until
West Ham see the light and resolve the situation. "He is fit and well and
has had a proper pre-season, and he will be involved in our squad for the
game at Bolton. "Kieron has to go to Bolton and do what is best for both
himself and the club. He is contracted to this football club for the next
couple of years unless there is a change in the situation. "If there is a
change we will deal with it accordingly."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to land Gudjohnsen, Bresciano and Shorey - Sportigo
Thu, Aug 9, 07 12:20
Mark Apostolou

Alan Curbishley must be in some kind of Dreamland. After 15 years of
skimping and saving and trying to balance the Charlton books, it seems he
now has a seemingly endless supply of cash and it's almost as though he is
playing real-life fantasy football!

His West Ham side hope to complete a deal to land Eidur Gudjohnsen before
the end of the month after agreeing a £6.7m fee for with Barcelona
(Various). Resisting the urge to use clichés such as 'The Iceman Cometh'
(oops too late!), I would reiterate what a great signing this could be for
the Upton Park side. I think the fact that a player of Gudjohnsen's quality
is keen to move to East London's second best side (Come on you O's, joke!)
shows just how things are looking up for the Hammers, and unlike the false
promise that surrounded the arrival of the two Argentinians last season,
this revolution seems to be more firmly based.

And the Hammers have not given up on signing Nicky Shorey, but Reading will
not sell until they have found a replacement (Various). It's just a shame
that Curbs already sold off Paul Konchesky because he could have formed a
make-weight in the deal to the Royals, or on second thoughts maybe that
wouldn't have helped matters!

Let's move briefly away from London (only briefly mind) as we have a wealth
of other Hammers' issues to deal with. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is
interested in Real Madrid's Brazilian full-back Cicinho (The Sun). I am a
fan of the right-sided Madrid player, but the new Bernabeau suprermo, Bernd
Schuster, prefers to use the aging and in my highly overrated Spaniard
Michel Salgado. Apparently any move would more than likely be a loan one and
the former Sao Paulo star is reportedly more interested in joining the mass
Brazilian presence in Serie A. Well worth trying to nab though, Rafa.

Back to Upton Park and to a player whose move to Green Street may have been
hijacked somewhat by Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson who has held
talks with Real Madrid over a move for striker Antonio Cassano (The Sun).
SGE seems to be intent on forming his own squad at City and one that bears
little resemblance to the one that Stuart 'Mr Passion' Pearce formed. And
maybe that's not a bad thing. The Swede's reputation and the Thai owner's
money are working wonders, and Eastlands is eagerly awaiting the big
kick-off and will be expecting great things. Cassano is a quality player but
may have been living on the reputation of one great season for Roma for a
bit too long now.

West Ham could, however, land Palermo's Mark Bresciano after his move to
Manchester City fell through (The Times). The tough-tackling Aussie
midfielder with an eye for goal would be a steady, if unspectacular,
purchase that would presumably not break the bank. The Melbourne man has
been instrumental in Palermo's rise in Serie A and aided the Eagles as they
trounced the Hammers in the UEFA Cup. In short he is the kind of player who
could revel in the Premier League.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers eye Solano move
Aug 9 2007
By Alan Oliver, Evening Chronicle

WEST HAM have turned their attention to Nobby Solano after their move for
his Newcastle United colleague Kieron Dyer fell through. But in contrast to
the £6m the Hammers put on the table for Dyer, I understand that Alan
Cubishley wants to pick up Solano on a free transfer. From Solano's point of
view, he is 32 now and he would be looking for a two-year contract, although
the word from East London this afternoon was that West Ham were keener on a
12-month deal. Solano first surfaced at St James' Park in the summer of 1998
when Kenny Dalglish paid a bargain £2.5m to Boca Juniors for the Peruvian
international.
He went to Aston Villa in January 2004 and came back 18 months later, on the
day Michael Owen joined United. He is the leading United scorer on
Newcastle's books with 48 goals, and it's fair to say he is a legend on
Tyneside. Meanwhile, Dyer will be in the United squad when they leave
Tyneside tomorrow for Saturday's opener with Bolton. This will undoubtedly
be another major talking point among the United fans. And it's certainly a
turnaround for Dyer, who this time last week fully expected to make his
Premiership debut for West Ham in their home game with Manchester City on
Saturday. Speaking about his team plans for the first time for what will be
an emotional return to the Reebok, Sam Allardyce told me today: "Kieron Dyer
is a Newcastle United player until West Ham see the light and resolve the
situation. "He is fit and well and has had a proper pre-season, and he will
be involved in our squad for the game at Bolton.
"Kieron has to go to Bolton and do what is best for both himself and the
club. He is contracted to this football club for the next couple of years
unless there is a change in the situation. "If there is a change we will
deal with it accordingly."

Big Sam is fully aware that some fans will not be happy to see Dyer in a
United shirt again, but his job is to get results and he will pick side
accordingly. My view is that Dyer should have been sold when he refused to
play on the wing in at Middlesbrough exactly three years ago. Failing that,
the time certainly seemed right for Dyer to go this time last week in the
proposed £6m transfer to West Ham. It's doubtful if Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley will come back in, leaving Dyer to yet again try to salvage his
career at St James' Park. Big Sam is without three midfielders in Joey
Barton, Emre and Damien Duff, and as a result the worst Dyer can expect at
Bolton is a place on the bench. He could even sneak into the team depending
on just who Big Sam decides to play at left-back until he can get new
signing Jose Enrique into his side. Allardyce insists he does not want to
consider his two latest signings, Enrique or Cacapa, although both are
expected back at the training ground tomorrow after being allowed to return
to their respective homes to sort out their domestic arrangements. Apart
from his long-term injuries – Emre, Duff and Celestine Babayaro – Allardyce
will be without Shay Given and Michael Owen tomorrow.
This means that three of the candidates to lead the team out at the Reebok –
Owen, Barton and Given – will be missing. But when I asked Allardyce today
if he had decided on his captain he replied: "Not yet."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Battler Curbishley comes out fighting - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:46am on 9th August 2007

Alan Curbishley knows the knives have been out for West Ham ever since they
escaped relegation on the last day of the season. The flak has come in many
forms: the fall-out from the Carlos Tevez controversy; criticisms of their
summer spending spree and jibes about the brat pack they have assembled at
Upton Park. No wonder manager Curbishley, for whom stability was a byword at
Charlton, wants an end to this incessant negativity. He said: "I'm trying to
build a base here so we can enjoy a solid season, looking forward instead of
over our shoulder."
Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore has admitted rules will be
tightened in the wake of the Tevez affair but even though the Argentine has
now left for Manchester United, West Ham have been embroiled in rows over
the players who will replace him. Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn claimed
West Ham were needlessly inflating the market by spending profligate sums on
new signings and then paying them unrealistic salaries. But Curbishley said:
"People have been saying consistently that we've spent loads of money but
the truth is that, in this transfer window so far, we've spent £23million
and brought in £21m.

All we've done is keep pace with other clubs. Manchester United and
Liverpool have spent massive amounts and clubs such as Portsmouth, Fulham,
Sunderland and Manchester City have also been active but haven't taken much
in, unlike us. "To attract good players we've replicated their contracts. We
haven't gone overboard with salaries but you can't tempt good players if
you're asking them to take wage cuts. "Niall Quinn said recently that we're
flooding the market but he's bought Michael Chopra and Craig Gordon for
£14million."

Despite personal criticism from Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce, Curbishley has
been on the margins of the Kieron Dyer fiasco, when West Ham agreed a £6m
fee with Newcastle for the player, only to be told at the 11th hour that the
price had just gone up by another £2m. He is adamant the breakdown was none
of his club's making. He said: "The situation on Kieron Dyer is quite clear.
We negotiated with Newcastle over several days to agree the transfer fee
because that is the first thing you have to settle. Once that was agreed and
we had permission, we began talking about personal terms and arranging a
medical. "For as long as I remember, I've never heard of a club asking for
more money after terms had been agreed and the medical had been passed.
Newcastle though, decided to ask for the extra fee as the player was walking
in to our training ground."

Curbishley is also confident that dressing-room harmony won't be jeopardised
by the arrival of Craig Bellamy from Liverpool. He said: "We want to buy
players of the right age, attitude and experience to push us on. Craig
Bellamy has had one football-related bust-up and that was with Graeme
Souness at Newcastle.
"Norwich had to sell him at 20 because they needed the money; Coventry were
relegated and also had to sell; Newcastle was where he had his row; he then
went to Celtic and Blackburn where he did fantastically well before
Liverpool activated an escape clause in his contract. "This summer,
Liverpool went in a different direction and he found himself surplus to
requirements. I have no problem with Craig. He's shown me on the training
pitch and in games that we have a very decent player. "In the case of Dyer
and Lee Bowyer, they talk regularly. What went on between them on the pitch
came from pure frustration on Bowyer's part and that is long gone."

Regarding Tevez, the departed hero, Curbishley admitted that he wanted him
to stay. He said: "We made an attempt to sign Carlos. We gave it our best
shot but it wasn't to be. Carlos did fantastically well and will always get
a rapturous reception back here. "Everyone here is looking forward to the
new season. The expectation has risen but if you ask me what I want it is a
solid season with West Ham on the back pages for the right reasons rather
than the negative stuff we've had to endure for 12 months."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham offer player, cash for Reading's Shorey
tribalfooball.com - August 09, 2007

West Ham hope a player-plus-cash offer for Reading fullback Nicky Shorey
will be enough to land the England international. The Independent says West
Ham made a £5m approach for the left-back but were rebuffed by Reading, but
it is understood that Shorey is keen to move to Upton Park and has also
rejected a new, £20,000-a-week contract at the Royals.
Shorey has two years left on his present deal which may influence whether or
not the club decides to cash in on him now. West Ham are expected to return
to the negotiations before the end of this month and offer a player plus
cash deal especially as Reading, who have shown an interest in midfielder
Hayden Mullins, will want to sort out replacement for Shorey should he
leave.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle chairman on Dyer: We were unhappy with West Ham behaviour
tribalfooball.com - August 09, 2007

Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort has given their version of why Kieron
Dyer's move to West Ham broke down last Friday. "We got very uncomfortable
with the way they (West Ham) were conducting negotiations and some of the
things going on about the deal we wanted to change from our perspective,"
explained Mort. "They were (then) not prepared to match the (increased £8m)
valuation we put on him."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 9th August 2007

West Ham 2007/08 preview - SSN
By Robin Hackett Last updated: 8th August 2007

Following the false dawn at the start of last season, there will be mixed
feelings at West Ham as the Magnusson era looks set to finally begin in
earnest.
The signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano had looked to be the
icing on the cake for Alan Pardew's FA Cup finalists, and his young, hungry
squad were expected to challenge for a top-six spot as well as making a
decent bid for the Uefa Cup. None of that happened. The deal for Tevez and
Mascherano was shrouded in confusion and both players, lacking the fitness
for the Premier League, took time to settle in to English football. But,
whatever distractions the Argentinians provided, there were other problems
at the club. Dean Ashton sustained a long-term injury, new signings Lee
Bowyer and Carlton Cole failed to make an impact, young stars like Nigel
Reo-Coker and Anton Ferdinand could not live up to their performances of the
previous season, and West Ham found themselves in a relegation scrap.
When Eggert Magnusson took over in December, his immediate task was to stop
the rot. He soon replaced Pardew with Alan Curbishley, and the former
Charlton boss immediately began spending, bringing in the likes of Lucas
Neill from Blackburn, Matthew Upson from Birmingham and Luis Boa Morte from
Fulham, while Mascherano was shipped out to Liverpool.

WEST HAM 2007/08

Predicted Position: 11th

Star Man: Dean Ashton - It's impossible to tell what difference a fit Dean
Ashton could have made last season, but the talented striker will be
hungrier than ever to prove his importance after a year on the sidelines.

One To Watch: Mark Noble - The young midfielder played a significant role in
the club's relegation escape last season and will be hoping to firmly
establish himself in the first team this season.

Manager: Alan Curbishley - Having had the time and money to build his own
squad, Curbishley will expect a substantial improvement on last season.

INS: Scott Parker (Newcastle), Julien Faubert (Bordeaux), Richard Wright
(Everton), Craig Bellamy (Liverpool), Fredrik Ljungberg (Arsenal)

OUTS: Tyrone Mears (Derby), Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa), Shaun Newton
(Leicester), Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool), Paul Konchesky (Fulham), Marlon
Harewood (Aston Villa)

Best signing: Scott Parker

Sky Bet Odds: 500-1

Likely top scorer: Craig Bellamy

Possible best XI (Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Faubert,
Parker, Ljungberg, Boa Morte, Ashton, Bellamy)

Spearheaded by Tevez, the revolution began very late in the day and, in the
last game of the season, the club escaped relegation with victory at
Manchester United. Since then, of course, the Tevez controversies have
continued, and the player has subsequently left the club for the champions.
But Curbishley has been given the funds to rebuild the squad, bringing in
high-profile stars while shipping out many of those deemed to have
underperformed last year.

Scott Parker has come in from Newcastle to replace Reo-Coker at the
heartbeat of the midfield following the latter's £8.5m move to Aston Villa.
Curbishley knows Parker well from their together at Charlton, where the
England man was involved in everything from defence to attack, and he may
well return to that all-action role at Upton Park.

The signing of Fredrik Ljungberg from Arsenal, too, will provide a midfield
boost. There may be a feeling that the 30-year-old's best days are behind
him, but a change of scenery could be all it takes to reignite the form of a
midfielder who, just five years ago, was among the best in the game.

Julien Faubert was another major signing, arriving from Bordeaux in a £6.1m
move. The once-capped France international reportedly turned his back on
Rangers to move to Upton Park in a switch that his national coach, Raymond
Domenech, described as 'unspeakably stupid'. The merits of moving to a club
outside the chosen few notwithstanding, it speaks volumes of the player's
quality that his national coach deems a nouveau riche Premier League side
unworthy of his talents. Sadly, the winger picked up a long-term injury that
will rule him out of the first half of the season. Given that, it will
chiefly be Ljungberg's task to add creativity to the midfield, particularly
given the departure of Yossi Benayoun to Liverpool.

But the most substantial changes so far have come up front. Ashton has
returned from injury, while Teddy Sheringham went to Colchester and Marlon
Harewood joined Reo-Coker at Villa. Yet the biggest news is the arrival of
Craig Bellamy from Liverpool: the Wales striker will, more than anyone else,
be expected to fill the void left by Tevez.

Bellamy will be looking to prove himself once more after failing to
capitalise on an opportunity that he termed 'a lifelong dream come true'
last summer. There is little doubt surrounding Bellamy's talent, but he has
only thrived in the past when all the conditions have been right: to what
extent West Ham will be able to provide those conditions remains to be seen.


Goalkeeper Richard Wright has joined on a free transfer from Everton, while
Roy Carroll made the move north of the border to Rangers. Wright has never
been able to make good on his early potential at Ipswich, and he perhaps hit
rock bottom when Everton boss David Moyes chose to recall Iain Turner from
Sheffield Wednesday rather than field him against Manchester United in
April. Nonetheless, he has ability, Curbishley insists he is 'dedicated,
hungry and also a little bit angry', and he is expected only to deputise for
Robert Green.

There have been three more departures: Tyrone Mears to Derby, Paul Konchesky
to Fulham and Shaun Newton to Leicester. That may force Curbishley to enter
the market for a defender, but, with Upson and Neill having arrived in
January, he may consider his options sufficient, although a replacement
left-back should be a priority if not.

The squad may continue to change, but the foundations look to be in place.
Yet, while lessons will have been learnt from last season and there will be
no room for complacency, the new players could take time to gel and only
time will tell if the Tevez saga will prove a distraction once more.
Competition at the top of the table is fierce, and a European spot may well
be beyond West Ham this year, but a healthy top-half finish could and should
be the aim.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New Season: New Beginning - West Ham Online
Billy Blagg, West Ham United Correspondent

New Season: New Beginning. At least that is what the blurb on the West Ham
membership letters would have us believe. Is it likely? Can West Ham really
become a Premiership force without resorting to court cases, melodrama, soap
opera story lines and last minute escapades?

Our new Chairman would have us believe so - and wouldn't it be great if he
was right? The gypsy curse is lifted and we march on into the 21st Century
with a steely look in our eyes and a team full of niggling, nasty characters
that the rest of the country despise, as we clog our way into Europe.

Sound unlikely? Perhaps, But then a lot of unlikely things have happened to
West Ham since the start of the Millennium and it's amazing to think that
the last five seasons have seen nerve-shredding endings to the campaign for
the Irons, starting with the hideous relegation under Glenn Roeder in 2003,
the following season's Play-off loss to Crystal Palace, the astonshing run
to the same final in 2005, the subsequent wonder of the 2006 Cup Final and
the greatest escape at the end of last term.

I've got more thoughts on what we can expect from the 2007-08 season
shortly, few of them relevant and most of them certainly wrong - but hey! -
it's never stopped me before! So join the Blagger here whenever you can and
feel free to email me with your thoughts and predictions.

New Beginning? Let's see...

August 7th: Sheffield Utd are relegated!
It's official! I got an email from the editor of Soccernet this very
morning. The Blades logo has been moved from the Premier League section to
the Championship area and this means that Sheffield United are now
officially down.

...still, I'm glad Boromir died in the first part of the trilogy, aren't
you?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers happy to wait for Shorey and Gudjohnsen - Daily Mail
Last updated at 23:27pm on 8th August 2007

West Ham are prepared to play the waiting game for Reading defender Nicky
Shorey. The 26-year-old England full back's boss, Steve Coppell, is
unwilling to listen to offers until he can bring in a replacement. West Ham
also hope to sign Eidur Gudjohnsen before the end of the month after
agreeing a £6.7million fee with Barcelona for the former Chelsea striker.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham step up chase for Shorey and Gudjohnsen - The Independent
By Jason Burt
Published: 09 August 2007

West Ham United are hoping to sign a striker and left-back – and have
identified Eidur Gudjohnsen and Nicky Shorey as their number one targets.

However they may have to wait until January to land the two as they have
been told by their respective clubs, Barcelona and Reading, that they do not
want to sell in this summer's transfer window, which closes on 31 August.

It appears that West Ham will wait, especially for Gudjohnsen, whose
transfer has become a long-term project for his fellow Icelander and the
West Ham chairman, Eggert Magnusson. However it may still prove a difficult
task to sign the striker who, although keen to return to England if he
leaves Barça, has also attracted interest from several other clubs.

In addition Gudjohnsen has still not been told that he is surplus to
requirements at Barça even though the arrival of Thierry Henry is expected
to limit his first-team opportunities. West Ham will hope that if the former
Chelsea player does not feature at the start of La Liga season he may decide
his future lies elsewhere. The transfer fee – expected to be in the region
of £6.8m – and wages will not be a bar to West Ham.

The move for Shorey is also on hold. West Ham made a £5m approach for the
left-back but were rebuffed by Reading, but it is understood that Shorey is
keen to move to Upton Park and has also rejected a new, £20,000-a-week
contract at Reading.

Shorey has two years left on his present deal which may influence whether or
not the club decides to cash in on him now.

West Ham are expected to return to the negotiations before the end of this
month and offer a player plus cash deal especially as Reading, who have
shown an interest in midfielder Hayden Mullins, will want to sort out
replacement for Shorey should he leave.

Having sold Paul Konchesky to Fulham, the West Ham manager, Alan Curbishley,
is pleased with the form of his current first-choice left-back George
McCartney while Danny Gabbidon, although a central defender, can also fill
in for the position. So Curbishley is in no hurry to buy although he has
identified Shorey as the right kind of player – at 26 and an England
international – be be a fine addition to his squad.

Reading have made an inquiry about the Arsenal right-back Justin Hoyte
although they are understood to face competition from Aston Villa. The
England under-21 international may be allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium
following the signing of Bakary Sagna and is expected to cost £2.5m. Reading
are also keen on signing the Czech international Jan Koller who has said
that he wants to leave Monaco.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham won't give up on Reading's Shorey
tribalfooball.com - August 08, 2007

West Ham United refuse to give up on landing Reading fullback Nicky Shorey.
The Daily Mail says the Hammers are prepared to play the waiting game for
Shorey. The 26-year-old England full back's boss, Steve Coppell, is
unwilling to listen to offers until he can bring in a replacement.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Walker agrees new West Ham deal
tribalfooball.com - August 08, 2007

Veteran goalkeeper Jimmy Walker has signed a new deal with West Ham. The Sun
says Walker has penned a new one-year contract at Upton Park.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham agree Gudjohnsen fee with Barcelona
tribalfooball.com - August 08, 2007

West Ham United are set for talks with Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen.
The Daily Mail says the Hammers hope to sign Gudjohnsen before the end of
the month after agreeing a £6.7million fee with Barcelona for the former
Chelsea striker.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham confident of Shorey deal - lep.co.uk

West Ham are confident of securing the signing of Reading defender Nicky
Shorey, according to reports. The Reading defender has stated his desire to
stay at the club, although manager Steve Coppell is privately resigned to
losing his starlet to West Ham United after he rejected a new £20,000 a week
contract, according to the Sun. West Ham have already bid £5million for the
26-year-old, but it is reported that Reading are holding out for £8million.


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs clueless on City - The Mirror
09/08/2007

West HAM boss Alan Curbishley admits he hasn't a clue what Manchester City's
team will be on Saturday - and he reckons Sven Goran Eriksson doesn't know
either. New City boss Eriksson has shelled out £35million on eight signings,
including £8.8m on Italian forward Rolando Bianchi from Reggina and £8m on
Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Elano. His squad is now 29 strong -
with more to come. AdvertisementCurbishley (right), who has spent £23.6m
himself so far this summer, believes even former England boss Eriksson
cannot be 100 per cent sure of his first XI after buying players he had only
seen on video. Curbishley said: "There are all sorts of things going on at
City - lots of players coming in. "When the fixtures came out, I thought
'great' - I like to be at home in the first game. Now it'll be a difficult
weekend for everyone. I'm not sure what Sven's team will be - and perhaps he
isn't either."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Team Preview; The road to redemption starts here? -
aboutaball.co.uk

In: Fredrik Ljungberg (Arsenal), Richard Wright (Everton), Julien Faubert
(Bordeaux), Scott Parker (Newcastle United), Craig Bellamy (Liverpool)
Out: Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa), Paul Konchesky (Fulham), Yossi Benayoun
(Liverpool), Roy Carroll (Rangers), Shaun Newton (Leicester City), Nigel
Reo-Coker (Aston Villa), Teddy Sheringham (Colchester), Tyrone Mears (Derby
County)

After avoiding relegation on the final day of the season West Ham have lived
to fight another day in the Premiership but after all the shenanigans and
fuss over whether they should even be taking part in this seasons
Premiership they have a lot of bridges to build. West Ham were once many of
the neutrals favourites and even as recently as 2005/06 when they got to the
final of the FA Cup final and played their part in easily the best final in
the last 15 years winning over many more fans with their exciting style
their reputation has been tarnished by their part in misleading the
authorities. Consequently they have a lot of unhappy football fans to win
over.

West Ham looked to be headed towards the Championship by Christmas last
season and those observers uncertain of their fate made up their minds after
the 3-4 defeat to Spurs, certain that The Hammers were headed for the
trapdoor. Curbishly though miraculously turned the situation round aided and
abetted in no small part by the very player at the centre of all the
controversy; Tevez.

Whatever your opinion of the punishment meted out to West Ham by the Premier
League for their complicity in the decidedly dubious transfer of Tevez most
couldn't help but be impressed by the way that United clawed their way from
a seemingly hopeless position. Despite the major overhaul of the squad that
has taken place this summer Curbishly will be hoping to maintain the
momentum that saw West Win 7 of their final 10 league matches last season.

The arrivals this season at West Ham are all direct replacements for
departed players and despite the fact that some transfer fees haven't been
disclosed I wouldn't be at all surprised if West Ham have made a profit in
their dealings this summer. In to replace Sheringham, who amazingly
continues his career at Colchester, is Ljungberg, who will be under pressure
to show that the reason Arsenal released him was wrong. Benayoun's departure
will be compensated for by Faubert, although the unlucky Frenchman has been
ruled out for the first half of the season after suffering a severe injury
in training. Bellamy will be replacing the departed Marlon Harewood and
finally for £7 million Scott Parker will come in for Reo-Coker who joins
Harewood at Aston Villa. The only player who hasn't been directly replaced
is Konchesky who made the trip across London to Fulham but Matthew Upson
comes into the squad after being injured for nearly the full 8 months he has
been with West Ham.

Another new arrival of sorts will be Dean Ashton who after a whole season
out after arriving from Norwich City for £8.5 is fit and ready to go. Having
Ashton in the team will give West Ham a physical presence in the team and
the pace of Craig Bellamy should compliment Ashton's quality.

The truth is last season the squad should never have been dragged into such
a relegation scrap but presumably unsettled because of the arrivals and then
later by the furore that surrounded them none of the players achieved the
sort of form they had the season before. The puzzling thing about West Ham's
season last year was that they were capable of beating top 4 teams, Arsenal
and Manchester United both lost at Upton Park yet they were also thrashed
6-0 by Reading. Rumours that several of the players had got a little to big
for their station were underlined by such topsy-turvy results and Curbishly
will have to dispel that notion and quickly . A good start will be crucial
and the fixture list has been kind to West Ham with games against Manchester
City, Birmingham, Wigan and Reading to start off with, although Curbishly
will have to make sure that his team starts picking up results against the
teams they will be competing. They don't play a top 4 team until the end of
September, which depending on the success of Curbishly on stamping out such
high self-opinions of the players may be a good thing or it may not be.

The squad now bears the hallmark of Curbishly on it and he will be looking
for an improved performance collectively. After such a traumatic season it
is difficult to set exact expectations although one feels that given the
quality in the squad West Ham should be at least capable of achieving a top
half finish. However, first priority has to be to gain the mythical 40
points total before looking to kick on and improve from there. The team
still posses the sort of quality to produce a good cup run and a UEFA Cup
spot may not be entirely out of the question.

Posted by Walter Townsend on Wednesday, 8th August 2007

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com